Data Link Solutions has secured a $248 million U.S. Navy contract to produce tactical radio systems for American and coalition forces, with work taking place in Cedar Rapids and Wayne, New Jersey.
Data Link Solutions, a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace based in Cedar Rapids, will deliver hundreds of Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System terminals under the production contract.
The system provides situational awareness and jam-resistant Link 16 connectivity with line-of-sight voice, video and data communications for sea, ground and air assets in dynamic operational environments. The technology enables sharing of relative position and targeting data among joint forces.
“This contract demonstrates the ongoing need to equip our warfighters with a high-performing, secure command and control solution and our commitment to deliver at the speed of need,” said Brian Shadiack, director of Data Link Solutions, in a release. “With increased production capacity, we will provide hundreds of MIDS JTRS radio terminals for more than 45 U.S. and international platform types, including unmanned aerial vehicles and armored C2 ground vehicles.”
MIDS JTRS is a four-channel, software-defined radio designed to run the Link 16 waveform and up to three additional communication protocols. Link 16 is a standardized communications system used by NATO, the U.S. and its allies to share real-time tactical data.
According to the release, the Department of War is fielding MIDS JTRS on F-15, F-16, F/A-18 and F-22 aircraft, as well as maritime vessels and ground command and control assets.
Data Link Solutions has delivered more than 9,000 Link 16 systems worldwide to over 50 nations during its 25-year history.
